Best Innovation in the Agriculture Sector was awarded to Bioseed Research India Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad & International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology New Delhi.
In recognition of their significant contribution to innovative research towards the development of Rice hybrids with improved characteristics. The collaborative research has focused on development of tolerance to abiotic stress, a major impediment to enhancing crop productivity. Several new genes have been tested in situ and proof of concept for significant and positive role of three genes with complementary roles in drought and salinity tolerance pathways has been successfully demonstrated in rice. As a follow-up research, marker free stacks of these genes are being developed and the technology is being advanced to develop drought tolerant rice cultivars.
